Thank you so much for the faves and follows and reviews. They mean a lot to me. Here is chapter 10 I hope you like it. I have edited but I apologize for any spelling mistakes. Enjoy!
Lady Lawton's home was certainly a sight to be seen on the night of her ball. The hallways filled with priceless paintings and statues. Golden chandeliers hung from the sculptured ceilings. The guests finely dressed in the best gowns and suits; dancing gracefully in the ballroom, floating across the marble floor almost effortlessly.
Amelia gripped tightly to Haytham's arm as they entered the grand ballroom. The affair in itself was intimidating given that it was the first ball she had ever attended. He flashed her a small smile of reassurance, settling her nerves. She pulled at the bow on her gown, shuffling in her tight corset that didn't fit right at all. She was never the kind of woman that worn dresses, Amelia preferred the comfort of shirt and breeches along with her Assassin robes. Not to mention the fact that the wretched gown of hers fit to tightly for her hidden blades, leaving her completely defenseless. A small squeeze on her arm broke her cursing mind as she glanced to see Haytham smirking at her before leaning in to whisper in her ear against the sound of chattering guests and flowing music.
"That dress may be uncomfortable for you my dear, but you look beautiful."
Amelia laughed in spite of herself, the annoyed tone fading from her voice.
"I'm glad you find this so amusing. Perhaps next time you can suffer and wear the corset."
Haytham chuckled leading them both into the grand ballroom before releasing her arm and stood with his hands placed behind his back.
"Keep any eye out for Lady Lawton. No doubt she'll be greeting her guests."
Amelia let out a restricted breath as her eyes scanned across the room. She watched as couples danced together, the closeness and romance of it all was something she had never seen before. She found it captivating. Glancing back to Haytham she noticed him wandering to the far side of the room as he greeted a young woman no older then her. Taking her by the hand and a charming smile.
"Lady Lawton, Jacob Harrison at your service."
"Ah Master Harrison, glad to finally put a face to the name. Your reputation certainly precedes you. I was quite impressed with your work to obtain the pendent I asked for."
"I only aim to please my lady. I believe my men were to present you with the pedant this evening."
Lady Lawton smiled as pointed to a small door by the end of the ballroom.
"They did indeed. It was placed within my study, but you needn't worry about that now."
"Of course my lady. My apologies."
"Nonsense. I would however wish to speak with you of further business opportunities, given your skills I believe there will be a great future for us as business partners."
"I would be delighted Lady Lawton."
Lady Lawton clasped her hands together in delight before looping her arm over Haytham's and led him towards the center of the room.
"Excellent, would you care to discuss it over a dance perhaps?"
"It would be my pleasure."
Haytham bowed before taking Lady Lawton his arms and began to dance with her across the ballroom. Amelia caught his eye as he gestured towards the door leading to the study. She gave a quick nod before making her way from the crowded ballroom.
The heavy door muffled the loud music of the sting trio and gossiping guests as Amelia cautiously walked down the dark hallway. Her footsteps echoed on the marble floor and thick rugs that led from room to room.
She quietly crept through the study door, carefully closing it behind her. The study was rather large, with a grand desk centered in the middle of the room surrounded by wooden cabinets and old book cases. Amelia paced around the room taking every inch. She quickly got to work looking through the draws and cabinets, every box, every compartment Until finally finding a small box, she pulled it open reveling the green disc that hung on a single black string.
Taking into her hands, Amelia froze.
"What are you doing Amelia?!"
She hissed at herself as she looked upon the pendant within her hand. Helping Haytham was one thing but he was the Templar Grandmaster. This could be considered betrayal to her Assassins, to everything she stood for. She knew in that moment she could very easily leave. She could take the pendent to the Assassin Bureau and end all ties with Haytham...but Amelia found for the first time; she didn't care. After a lifetime of fighting and putting her faith in the creed, she didn't care anymore. The weeks they had spent together, the talk of Assassins and Templars had never once entered their minds. In the moments they were alone; they were no longer Grandmaster and Assassin Mentor. They were just Amelia and Haytham.
He was just a man. A friend. A friend she trusted her very life with. And the thought of betraying Haytham weighted heavier than the thought of ever betraying her own Creed.
Looking back at the study door, with Haytham only in the next room. She knew she been given a choice in that single moment. It was her Creed or Haytham. And without even a second of hesitation, she choose Haytham as she made her way back to the ball.
Looking around the dancing crowd that sweep through the ballroom, she struggled to place him. Spotting Lady Lawton now standing with a drink in her hand and sharing with a laugh with a group of well-dressed young ladies, Amelia held up the hem of her dress and wandered along the outskirts of the party. A sudden gentle touch against her hand caused her to flinch as she turned to find Haytham.
"Ah there you are. Shall we go?"
Lost for words against the racing beats of her own heart, she simply nodded as he took hold of her hand and walked her out into the courtyard.
"Were you successful in retrieving the pedant?"
Amelia smiled as she handed him the artefact.
"Have I ever given you reason to doubt me? I trust you'll make sure this doesn't go missing a second time, I'd hate to do this all over again Haytham."
Haytham chuckled as he placed the pedant in his pocket before walking them back to their Inn for the night.
Please Review